We are happy to introduce our Herbstalk Plant-of-the-Year: the bright and beautiful Calendula!

You've probably already seen the cheery calendula logo we have on our event flyers. We'll be featuring calendula throughout Herbstalk, including a whole class dedicated to the healing properties of this wonderful herb.

As an herbal remedy, calendula has many traditional uses, including:

Helps heal wounds, burns, itchy skin, rashes, eczema

Soothes inflamed digestive tissue

Increases lymphatic drainage

Supports the immune system and reduces swollen glands

Raises the spirits during wintertime (use a handful of dried blossoms in soups and stews!)

As a wonderful lymphatic herb, calendula helps to stimulates lymphatic drainage, and increase the elimination of waste products from the body. Because of this beneficial effect it also helps to support a strong immune system, which makes it one of our favorite herbs to turn to during cold and flu season. Calendula is a ray of light during times of sickness and throughout dark winter days.

Beyond its internal applications, calendula is also renowned for its use as a topical wound healer and balm for the skin. The orange petals have been shown to help wounds heal faster, and increase blood flow and oxygen to the damaged area, helping the body grow new tissue. It is often used as an infused oil or salve in cases of skin inflammation and eczema. A poultice or balm of calendula petals can also help reduce the pain of insect stings and swelling.​

Many of our Marketplace vendors will feature calendula in their products. Take a look at some of the beautiful photos below to get an idea of the bounty of Calendula at Herbstalk this year!...